"There is a misleading impression that hands-free
mobile use is safe. The reality is that any use of a phone
distracts from a driver's ability to pay full attention, and
the government should consider extending the ban to reflect
this."1
As the government considers calls for a complete ban on
hands-free mobile use while driving, we look at the impact of
mobile phone use on driving and whether such a move is necessary to
challenge current attitudes and make the roads safer for
everyone.
Key statistics
Since 2003 it has been an offence to use a hand-held mobile
phone or other hand-held device while driving2. However,
the offence as presently drafted only applies to hand-held devices
and hands-free phones are not currently included, due to perceived
enforcement difficulties.
